This latest nail trend from Korea is so low maintenance, you’ll be addicted to it

Cuticle nail art is officially the new trend in South Korea. You may have seen pictures of it on Instagram and Pinterest, and now Daily Vanity is here to give you the lowdown on all you need to know about cuticle nail art, and why you should try it.

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Who came up with it?

Cuticle nail art can be said to originate from Park Eun Kyung, the founder of Korea’s legendary nail art salon, Unistella. She has also called them “shadow nails”. It all started in February 2016, when she adorned the models from New York Fashion Week (at the Creatures of Comfort presentation) with metallic tabs on their cuticles. (See photo above!) The beauty world proceeded to go gaga for her cuticle nail art.

Unistella has continued to share pictures of cuticle nail art on Instagram to show us a variety of ways we can dress up our nails – or rather, our cuticles. As more and more nail art lovers have picked up on this form of nail art, it has become the new nail art trend.

Why is this a trend to try?

Cuticle nail art is a subtle but stunning way to embellish your nails. They produce a minimalist look that is suitable for both the workplace and the night out. Its versatility aside, we are loving the trend because it’s easy to do – a nail novice can replicate it at her own home, and it is low maintenance – you don’t need to touch up your nails when they “grow out”!

How do I get the look?

Here are some tips on achieving a beautiful cuticle nail art, along with the best cuticle nails that we’ve found on Instagram.

Opt for a simple base colour for your nails (or keep them clear), and add some embellishments to make a statement. Love anything holographic? Then you’ll love this look where small chrome pieces are cut and stuck to the nails.

You don’t have to stick to the base of the nail for cuticle nail art. Here, Park plays along with the entire circumference of the nail. The alternating horse-shoe design gives the nails a playful vibe.

Vetra Leow is a 20-year-old student and an avid rock climber. She loves starting each day with her makeup routine (she is not actually awake until her brows are drawn). When she is not on the hunt for affordable beauty products, she is probably surfing YouTube or eating waffles. Follow her on Instagram.